Document ZnbmOn4wwXwQB4MKOO40qLMYV

t bcc: Paul Benlgnua April 26, 1966 Mr. Alvin V. Crow Quartenoan Maintenance Public Works Department U. s. Naval Station Kodiak, Alaska Dear Mr. Crow: Your letter of April 15th has been referred to me for repl*. I have enclosed a booklet which describes fire resistant transformer fluids which have the generic name "Askarel." You will note on page 2 and page 3 of the enclosed Askarel dulde that there are several commercial or trademark .types of formulations, seme of which are described In tables 1 and 2 Chemically these transformer fluids are mixtures of chlorinated diphenyl and trlchloro and/or tetrachlorobensene. The history of the manufacturing, handling and use of these products dates bask approximately 30 years. In that time there have been no caaes of serious Illness or taxlo effects when simple precautions to avoid exposures have been followed. In the case of chlorinated diphenyls, a Hygienic Oulde has been published by the American Industrial Hygiene Association for the materials containing kSjt and 5^*% chlorine. The diphenyl in Askarel la diphenyl chlorinated to 60%. The toxicity characteristics then are believed to be similar to the 54% chlorinated material. The hasard (as differentiated from toxicity) Is less In handling the bog material since it is less volatile than the materials with lower degrees of chlorination. The vapors from transformer Askarel are somewhat toxlo and should not be breathed continuously over a prolonged period of time. With the fluid at room temperature we would expect that there would be seme odor of the fluid. The level or concentration which Is barely detectable by smell should not be hazardous. On the other hand. If the fluid Is heated and vapors which are liberated are allowed to accumulate in an MONS 090440 Nr. Alvin V. Cm April 26, 1966 Page 9 unventilated room or urn, the concentration oould hennas significant. In general, people can detect a ecnoentration in the amount of 0.5 to 1.0 mg par cubic mtar of air which la regarded as ttaa safe workroom limit for an 8-hour dally exposure (5 days a weak, weak in and weak out). Transformer Askars! accidentally aplllad on ttaa elcln does not preasnt an acuta toeclslty hasard nor will it earloua irritation. It should ba removed from ttaa akin by washing with soap and water, however, because repeated and prolonged exposure nay lead to drying and chapping of the akin because of tha "solvent action" of ttaa fluid -- which might ba compared to tha drying of ttaa skin from using paint remover or many other solvents In a careless fashion. Vapors released in high concentrations idien ttaa fluid is heated will cause eye irritation. It la pointed out an page 9 of the enclosed Askarel Quids that typical opttaalmie solutions or ointments for relieving pain la the eyes nay be used after flushing the eyes with large amounts of water. Long range accumulative effects from exposure to Askarel fluids would not be expected unless workman were exposed to high levels of vapors a number of hours a day, day in and day out or allowed the material to remain on the skim for prolonged periods of time and at frequent and repeated intervals. Excessive vapor inhallatlon or skin oontaet can lead to an effect on the liver as is the ease with many chlorinated hydrocarbons. We have never heard of such effects in workers installing, repairing or servicing transformers, however. If exhaust ventilation oannot be provided to rmsove the vapors released by leaks, the work men should be provided with respiratory protection equipment if repairs and servicing are required in an area where the vapors are irritating the eyes and nose or throat. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to let as know. Very truly yours. \, ItBKimJb R. Barnet Kelly, N.P, Medical Director Enel. Askarel booklet Hygienic Guide "Chlorodlphenyls HONS 090441